Microsoft Releases Windows 8.1 Preview [Download]

Posted June 26, 2013 at 5:54pm by iClarified | Please help us and submit a translation by clicking here | 12161 views

Microsoft has just released Windows 8.1 Preview and it is available to download now.

We previously announced that Windows 8.1 will be a free update for Windows 8 consumers later this year through the Windows Store - but today we are providing an opportunity for people to take a first-hand look at many of the new features and improvements with the Windows 8.1 Preview.

Windows 8.1 adds two new tile sizes: large (really big) and small (really small). Start screen customizations, apps, and files get synced across all your Windows 8.1 PCs and tablets. The Windows Store has been redesigned and several of the apps that come with Windows 8 have been updated for Windows 8.1 – plus there’s some new ones.

I finally got Win8 dialed in the way I want it on my W500. I just hope the stupid new useless "Start" button doesn't interfere with my Classic Shell start button or CS has a way of turning it off. The other new features are pretty much useless.

Yes. The START button is back. BUT it will not look like what you are used to in Windows 7. Another thing that you definitely need to take note is the problem with the PREVIEW version.
You will be required to re-install ALL Store and Desktop software(s) if you run the PREVIEW and "choose" to upgrade to RTM when it is released some time this autumn. Do note that all user data and account settings will be retained, says Microsoft
(http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/382312/windows-8-1-preview-users-will-be-forced-to-reinstall-apps)
Long story short, unless you're willing to re-install all applications after RTM, please do install preview on a primary system. Good luck.